Two Award Celebrations for One Great Cause

by Bibi Tran on March 01, 2014

To highlight its recent fundraising drive in Los Angeles to bring Transcendental Meditation to at-risk youth, the Foundation honored two music legends on January and February 2014. Both celebrations featured star-studded musical performances as well as moving accounts of transformation from inner city students, veterans and first responders. All proceeds from the events helped to expand the Quiet Time Program to Los Angeles adults and students in need.

Ringo performs at “A Night of Peace & Love”

Ringo Starr -
A Night of Peace & Love

Ringo Starr received the “DLF Lifetime of Peace and Love Award” amidst 450 of his closest friends and supporters on January 20, 2014 at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. The evening featured performances by artists such as Jesse Elliot & Lindsay Giles of Ark Life, The Head & the Heart, Brendan Benson, Bettye LaVette, Ben Folds, Ben Harper, Joe Walsh and Ringo Starr himself.

During the evening, Ringo recounted his early experience of learning to meditate from Transcendental Meditation founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi nearly 50 years ago. He congratulated DLF on its efforts to bring this technique to millions of people in need. The ceremony also showcased video testimonials from Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono who voiced their profound love and respect for their life-long friend and fellow musician.

David Lynch also announced the launch of the “Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund” to help bring TM to at-risk students across the country. The fund launched with a $1 million matching offer, provided by a generous donor and fan of Ringo.

Rick Rubin – A Night of Harmony

The David Lynch Foundation honored Grammy award-winning music producer Rick Rubin on February 27, 2014 with a ‘Lifetime of Harmony’ at The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles, California. Rick Rubin has been practicing TM for over 35 years and has worked with a broad range of musicians such as Adele, Kanye West, Weezer, Lana Del Rey, LL Cool J, The Beastie Boys and Audioslave.

Rick Rubin, David Lynch, and the Dixie Chicks at “A Night of Harmony” gala

The Dixie Chicks reunited after a four-year hiatus and headlined the evening’s music alongside Rick Rubin-produced singer-songwriters Damien Rice and Jake Bugg. Lifetime friend and Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons presented the award to Rick, stating, “We all only want calm and Rick is the epitome of what we are seeking.” As part of the ceremony, many of Rick’s friends from the music industry, such as Metallica bandmates, submitted video homages to the producer.

To help reach the evening’s funding goal, the Foundation partnered with Charity Buzz to offer a wide range of rare and memorable experiences, such as a live audition in front of Atlantic Record’s Chairman and CEO, an exclusive meet-and-greet with Duran Duran, VIP tickets to Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and much more.

A message from David Lynch

I started Transcendental Meditation in 1973 and have not missed a single meditation ever since. Twice a day, every day. It has given me effortless access to unlimited reserves of energy, creativity and happiness deep within.